Supporters Trust asks Randy Lerner to sell to someone else who cares

Aston Villa Supporters Trust call on Randy Lerner to sell to a buyer with the club's heritage at heart

The Aston Villa Supporters Trust (AVST) have appealed to Randy Lerner to do his best to ensure the club’s next owner has the same respect for the club’s traditions.

Lerner’s decision to put the claret and blues up for sale has been welcomed by the trust, who are striving to boost their membership after a relaunch to give fans a much louder voice.

They are also hoping any potential takeover goes through as soon as possible to give Villa the best chance of being competitive in the Premier League next season.

In a statement, AVST said: “We would like to place on record our gratitude for all he has done with regards to the infrastructure of the club and his significant investment in Aston Villa over the past eight years.

“AVST wish Mr Lerner the very best in his future endeavours. We are sure all Villa supporters appreciate the great respect he has shown for the club’s traditions and heritage during his time here.

“We are also sure that, with this in mind, he will make it a consideration of the utmost importance that these traditions should continue to be respected by whomever he passes his custodianship to.”

“We would ask that the sale is completed as quickly as possible in order that the new owner can put his team in place, and make the required changes to ensure that Aston Villa become a competitive force on the field again.”

AVST are calling on fans to fill in their online questionnaire covering a range of subjects including Villa’s progress on the pitch, ownership, the board and other football related matters such as the FA Commission’s B-team proposal. “After yet another disappointing season, it is crucial to have Villa supporter opinion on such matters to inform regular dialogue between the club and its supporters,”